Mariners get pitcher Aaron Heilman - again

The last time Aaron Heilman was a Seattle Mariner, the 33-year-old right-handed pitcher wasn't around long enough to put on a uniform.

Acquired in the trade that brought Franklin Gutierrez, Mike Carp and Jason Vargas to Seattle in 2008, Heilman was traded to the Cubs a month later for Ronny Cedeno and Garrett Olson. Today, the Mariners signed Heilman to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

In nine big-league seasons, Heilman, has gone 35-46 record with a 4.40 ERA and 16 saves in 477 appearances. How to define his role in Seattle? Consider him the 2012 version of reliever Jamey Wright.

A year ago, Heilman was released mid-season by Arizona, then pitched with both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in the minor leagues. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Heilman has been a durable reliever throughout his career - five times appearing in 70 or more games in a season.

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